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Gen Z and mental health

Gen Z is the first to grow up in a tech-saturated world with limitless access to information – and social media. Born after 1996, in Hong Kong this group of young adults – the youngest are 12, the oldest 27 – are coping with mental health issues in the wake of Hong Kong’s protests and the pandemic. This series presents the stories of Gen Zs who are grappling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more. We learn from them, and from experts, how they are helping themselves, and each other.

Updated: 13 Aug, 2024
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[1]

Gen Z hit hard by mental health issues, but they are fighting back

Generation Z was hit hard by the pandemic, with one in four children and adolescents in Hong Kong having experienced a mental health issue. We talk to two Gen Zs who are providing solutions.

21 Jul, 2024
Generation Z was hit hard by the pandemic, with one in four Hong Kong children and adolescents experiencing a mental health issue. However, many young people are taking charge and becoming advocates for their peers. Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
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[2]

Hong Kong’s Gen Z are feeling anxious – why, and how they are breaking free

Anxiety is rife among Generation Z. Poor social media habits contribute to this; struggles with body image, and comparing themselves to others, have shaped this generation’s insecurities, an expert says.

28 Jul, 2024
Anxiety is rife among Generation Z. Some of those from Hong Kong affected reveal how they have dealt with the condition, and helped others. Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
[3]

How Hong Kong’s depressed Gen Z could benefit from talking about emotions

With Hong Kong’s alarming rates of depression among young people, experts explain what’s fuelling the problem, and why verbalising emotions in therapy or just to family and friends, is important.

04 Aug, 2024
Depressed young people in Hong Kong bottle up their feelings, and need to let them out so others can help them, experts say. Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
[4]

Gen Z risk of eating disorders shown in 2 Hong Kong women’s stories

Around the world, young people struggle with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, experts say, with social media such as TikTok a factor. Two Hong Kong women reveal their battles.

11 Aug, 2024
Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
[5]

17-year-old’s story highlights Gen Z’s struggles with ADHD

Jasmine Chan had long shown symptoms of ADHD – the third most common mental health diagnosis for Gen Z – before proper recognition saw her get the treatment she needed.

18 Aug, 2024
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is the third most common mental health diagnosis for Gen Z. Illustration: Eunice Tse
[6]

What is oppositional defiant disorder and how to help Gen Z sufferers?

Using real cases they have handled, Hong Kong psychologists explain oppositional defiant disorder in young people – what it is, why it develops, and what parents can do about it.

25 Aug, 2024
Hong Kong psychologists explain oppositional defiant disorder in young people. Illustration: Davies Christian Surya